Looking for that flawless, radiant finish? Concealer is your best friend for brightening dark circles, covering blemishes and dark spots, and giving your skin a fresh, even look. But using it the right way makes all the difference between a flawless finish and a cakey mess.

No more patchiness—here’s a simple guide on how to use concealer properly for a smooth, fresh look.

1. Choose the Right Shade

• For dark circles: Start with a peach color corrector, then layer a light concealer to brighten and conceal.

• For redness: Apply a green color corrector to neutralize the area before using concealer.

• For blemishes: Use a concealer that exactly matches your skin tone for seamless blending.

2. Prep Your Skin

Begin with clean, well-moisturized skin. Hydrate your face and under-eye area to prevent fine lines from showing. If needed, apply a lightweight primer to help your concealer glide on smoothly and stay put all day.

*Should you apply concealer before or after foundation? The answer is: both. Apply a color corrector before foundation to neutralize dark spots and redness. After applying your foundation, use a lighter concealer to cover fine lines and brighten targeted areas for a smooth, flawless finish.

3. Apply and Blend Strategically

• Under the eyes: Apply concealer in an inverted triangle shape to brighten the area.

• On blemishes: Tap concealer directly onto spots.

• On redness: Use green color corrector around the nose or any red areas first.

Finally, use your fingertip, a damp makeup sponge, or a concealer brush to gently tap and blend the concealer into your skin for smooth, even coverage. Make sure to reach smaller areas precisely.

Finish your look

Complete your makeup by applying foundation, blusher, lipstick, and eye shadow. To lock everything in place, lightly dust a translucent setting powder over your concealer — this helps prevent creasing and keeps your makeup lasting all day.

Try these tips next time you do your makeup for a smooth, radiant finish that lasts all day. For more concealers, color correctors, and concealer brushes, check out the recommended products here.